NO COOPERATION FROM THE CAT

This character-rich cozy gathers a cast of faded theater types who must protect their home from unwelcome drama.

Gracefully aging actresses Evangeline and Trixie have opened their home, and their kitchen, to Trixie’s daughter Martha and Martha’s editor Jocasta as the two put the finishing touches on Martha’s cookbook. When manly explorer Banquo comes stomping into the house with his sidekicks Tom and Mick, Jocasta is horrified to see him. While he was on his latest adventure, Banquo’s wife Melisande, the original designated author of the cookbook, met an untimely end during one of her cooking demonstrations. Not only does the suspicion of foul play make Jocasta, Melisande’s former assistant, a primary suspect, but it also derails the romance Jocasta hoped might develop between her and the rogue adventurer. Worse still, no one has had the good grace to tell poor Banquo about Melisande’s demise. Now Evangeline and Trixie’s home is invaded not only by these guests, invited and not, but also by Banquo’s trio of sinister aunts, who think that it’s Jocasta’s job to bear the bad news to their nephew. Added to the mix is the hapless Teddy, who’s always ready to visit his beloved Cho-Cho-San, the clever bobtail cat he had to give to Evangeline and Trixie. The actresses must do what it takes to reclaim their home, and possibly their careers, as the mystery threatens to engulf them. Though Babson (Only the Cat Knows, 2007, etc.) provides a title that’s a bit of a misnomer, the charming heroines’ adventures are satisfying if a bit overstuffed.